Roosters crowing after sensational comeback

by jspasaro

Josh Spasaro
Sports Journalist

I spent four years in country newspapers before taking on a dream role of covering national and international sports news across the entire APN network, in early 2012.
I learnt my trade in Kingaroy, Queanbeyan and Lismore doing it all – design, photography and headline writing.
I am now the envy of all my friends and family members, now that I have the privilege of covering Origin, Bledisloe Cups, footy grand finals and other top international sporting events.
Yes, I wouldn’t trade this job for...

73RD MINUTE: The Roosters take a match-winning 26-18 lead with centre Michael Jennings spectacularly suspending his arms over the dead-ball line to reel in a James Maloney grubber, and place the ball inside the chalk, in one of the great grand-final tries.

60TH MINUTE: Brilliant short pass from Roosters second-rower Sonny Bill Williams sets Maloney on a long-range run. His pass to Anthony Minichiello looked forward, before a wonderful looping pass from the Roosters captain found Shaun Kenny-Dowall to score out wide. Conversion is a beauty for Roosters to lead 20-18.

44TH MINUTE: Controversial try awarded to Manly captain Jamie Lyon. Referee Shayne Hayne originally ruled it a try, while asking the video officials to check for a penalty try, as Lyon was tackled by Mitch Aubusson without the ball.

The fact the video referees ruled it a penalty try meant they over-ruled Hayne's original decision. Grey area also hung over the penalty try, with Lyon no guarantee of scoring even if he wasn't taken out.

Conversion successful for Sea Eagles to lead 12-8.

49TH UPDATE: Sea Eagles strike again through Steve Matai down the short side, thanks to some quick hands from Stewart. Manly 18-8 lead.

55TH MINUTE: Roosters second-rower Aidan Guerra scores from close range and conversion is successful for Sydney to trail 18-14.

31ST MINUTE: Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves earns a penalty in front of the posts for a Manly hand in the play-the-ball. Maloney kicks goal for an 8-6 scoreline to the Roosters

23RD MINUTE: A cross-field kick from Roosters five-eighth James Maloney sees winger Daniel Tupou soar above Manly's David Williams, akin to Michael Jordan making a dunk, before planting the ball down to score.

Conversion out wide from Maloney successful for 6-all.

17TH MINUTE: Lyon lands a penalty goal for a 6-0 lead to Manly.

8TH MINUTE: Manly draws first blood in this encounter with a try to Jorge Taufua down the Sea Eagles' left edge.